[Dialogue] KINDLING THE LIFE QUALITY

[Terry Bergdall]

*KINDLING THE LIFE QUALITY*, Brian Stanfield



Some years ago, I remember someone saying to a bunch of us in India, "It
only takes a feather to trigger the deeps." I've been experimenting with
ways to shift people's mood at the supermarket checkout counter. I'm a shy
kind of person, so I've been surprising myself lately. I have lots of
opportunities to do this, since I do all the grocery shopping for our
family.


I've got used to waiting for it. Uh-oh, here it comes. The man behind me
says, "Why does it always take so l-o-o-o-ng?"-- referring to the check-out
process. I have given up attempting to remind them of their existential
situation of being in the world. Instead, I try to divert their attention.
This is an old trick I learned from my wife who has used it on me on
innumerable occasions when I have sunk into the abyss.


Last Friday, when the grouching happened at the Dominion store, I looked
around and my eyes lit on this Halloween display a few feet away. I said,
"Well, great gravy, will you get a load of that?" It was a figure of the
Grim Reaper. At a signal, its eyes would flash fire. It was a fearsome
sight, yet fascinating. I heard the complainers behind me: " Ooo, Alfred,
look at that, isn't that something." Soon, the whole line was preoccupied
with the Grim Reaper's performance. It was a small thing, but suddenly the
mood shifted; the pall of complaints was gone.


One of my colleagues has the practice of going into places like licensing
bureaus, or dentist lounges, and saying in a loud voice, "GOOD MORNING, HOW
ARE WE ALL TODAY?" He says the effect is startling. People come out of
their lethargy and introversion and recognize their innate sociality.


There are few situations that couldn't do with a turn of the dial, and a
calling forth to living life fully. "It means kindling the life quality
where it was not." I invite us once again to pick up that stance and find
opportunities to do some kindling today.


++++++++++++++++++++

Note from Terry:

Brian provided an example of a good witness. Therefore, it implies some
helpful GUIDELINES about preparing one:  (1) at the heart of a witness is
the sharing of a personal life experience, (2) followed by highlighting an
underlying truth about life, i.e., "a spiritual insight," revealed in the
experience, and (3) it is short; it can be read in about 3 minutes.

As stated before, members of this group are invited to share a witness
anytime they choose. There will be no assigned schedule.
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